Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract

A fuel cell design which incorporates an alkaline membrane. The membrane is preferably made of specially selected commercial filter paper. The membrane is impregnated with a solution of water and potassium hydroxide. The membrane provides a novel, inexpensive method of introducing potassium hydroxide into the cell and containing it in the active area. Flexible carbon fiber films are used as electrodes. These are coated with a catalyzing film of nickel, iron, and / or cobalt, rather than a precious metal such as platinum.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of an earlier-filed provisional application. The earlier application listed the same inventors and was assigned Ser. No. 61 / 703,915.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention relates to the field of fuel cells. More specifically, the invention comprises an alkaline membrane fuel cell using an exchange membrane made of commercial filter paper.[0006]2. Description of the Related Art[0007]Fuel cells are regarded as an important stepping stone in the development of a “hydrogen economy.” Fuel cell technology evolved rapidly during the late 1950's and continued through the 1960's. The evolution of the technology was significant to long-term spaceflight, since the production of electrical energy using conventional storage batterie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention involves a new design for a fuel cell that uses a special membrane made of commercial filter paper. This membrane is soaked in a solution of water and potassium hydroxide. The membrane is flexible and can be easily fit into the cell. The electrodes are made of carbon fiber sheets that are coated with a mixture of nickel, iron, and / or cobalt. The fuel cell can be operated with either gaseous hydrogen and oxygen or with an absorbing reactor for air. This new design is affordable and efficient, making it a useful addition to the field of fuel cells.

Problems solved by technology

The evolution of the technology was significant to long-term spaceflight, since the production of electrical energy using conventional storage batteries was not sufficient.

The early fuel cells were very expensive devices.

The cost of the technology has come down significantly, with power generation and motor vehicle applications now being commercialized.

However, the cost of fuel cells is still quite high compared to more conventional technologies.

The supply of such catalysts is obviously limited, which limits the scalability of PEMFC's.

Both the NAFION membrane and the precious metal catalyst(s) also add significantly to the total cost of the fuel cell.

However, these materials cannot be used in the construction of a PEMFC because they cannot withstand the acidic environment.

Images